Published: Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 03:57 PM.

Yes, it is indeed the simple things that please us most at Christmas. This is as it should be.

We began to ponder the nature of simple things and Christmas after our very own online poll at www.thetimesnews.com found that the most popular Christmas song among our voters is “Silent Night”, which was first performed in 1818 at a small church in an Austrian town. It’s an uncomplicated, yet highly spiritual song that stirs great emotion.

The crackling of a fireplace as its blaze licks a fresh log, the warmth of its hearth.

A smell of pine or fir or balsam in the air. A holly branch bursting with red berries.

Need we add mistletoe?

The chill in the dark after a midnight church service, or the frosty Christmas morning.

The kid who always gets up at 4 a.m. to see what Santa had in his pack.

The sound of packages opened, paper torn.

Innocence rewarded, memories made.

Good food, pleasant company, joyful music.

All are part of the holiday landscape in one way or another.

Yes, it is indeed the simple things that please us most at Christmas. This is as it should be.

We began to ponder the nature of simple things and Christmas after our very own online poll at www.thetimesnews.com found that the most popular Christmas song among our voters is “Silent Night”, which was first performed in 1818 at a small church in an Austrian town. It’s an uncomplicated, yet highly spiritual song that stirs great emotion.

Perfect in its simplicity.

As legend has it, the Father Joseph Mohr wrote the words as a poem then had his friend Franz Xavier Gruber supply the melody. But it had to be an uncomplicated musical composition for the St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg was without an organ at that time. It was broken, according to various accounts. Other stories say that Mohr just wanted a hymn that he could play on his guitar.

Whatever the reason, there is no denying the power in the words and the emotions felt by those who sing or hear it.

Silent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is brightRound yon Virgin Mother and ChildHoly Infant so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peaceSleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the sightGlories stream from heaven afarHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ, the Saviour is bornChrist, the Saviour is born